WINTERHALT
On Sunday, August 13, 2023, Kathleen “Kay” Winterhalt (Fernie, née Danser) passed away in Ponoka, Alberta at the age of 93 years.
Kay was born in Clive, Alberta to Harold and Eileen Danser. She was the first of nine children raised near Clive and Forestburg, Alberta. As a youth, she enjoyed fishing in the Chain Lakes region with her siblings. After Kay married Ernest Fernie (Aspen Beach, Alberta) in 1948, they moved with the military several times; beginning with Greenwood, Nova Scotia in 1954, Penhold, Alberta in 1962, and then Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1965. They retired to Red Deer in 1967, and relocated to Ponoka in 1970. Following Ernest’s death in 1978, Kay met and married Peter Winterhalt in 1990. Together they built homes, travelled, and spent many wonderful years fishing and camping, and working at the Rimbey Curling Rink. When Peter returned to Saskatchewan, Kay remained in Rimbey and was active at the Seniors Drop-in Centre and the Rimbey United Church. She resided in her home with the help of her dear friend, Bernie Wolkowski, until the age of 85 years, when illness forced her to move into the seniors manor.
Kay is survived by her four children Robert Fernie of Clive; Jim (Lorna) Fernie of Lacombe; Bruce Fernie also of Lacombe; and Christine Anne Fernie (Les Johnson) of Rimbey; as well as five grandchildren Kiel Fernie (Trina) of Kelliher, Saskatchewan; Stevie Fernie of Yahk, British Columbia; and Janice (Clayton) McAreavy, James Fernie, and Leah (Terry) Willerton, all of Lacombe; and seven great-grandchildren Ireland, Alexa, Connor, Wyatt, Mathew, Wyatt, and Cassidy. She is also survived by three siblings Donna (Max) Solbrekken; Dale (Lorraine) Danser; and Wayne (Linda) Danser; in addition to several nieces and nephews; other relatives; and many friends. Kay was predeceased by her first husband Ernest Fernie; three young sons; her parents; two brothers Bud and Donald; and three sisters Audrey Bennett, Adele Reynolds, and Deborah Anne Danser.
With respect for Kay’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service in Celebration of her Life will be held at the Rimbey United Church on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Marco Williams-Ste-Marie officiating. Kay will be laid to rest at a later date in the Lacombe Fairview Cemetery, Lacombe. If desired, memorial donations in her memory may be made directly to the Rimbey United Church, Box 7, Rimbey, Alberta T0C 2J0 (www.rimbeyunitedchurch.org); Rimbey Seniors Drop-In Centre, Box 1352, Rimbey, Alberta T0C 2J0; or to the Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre, c/o the Rimbey Hospital Legacy Committee, Box 440, Rimbey, Alberta T0C 2J0 (www.rimbeyhospitallegacycommittee.com). Thoughts and messages to the family may be shared through the condolence area located at the bottom of this page.
Service Arrangements for the Late Kathleen “Kay” Winterhalt (Fernie, née Danser) entrusted to the care of
